Oklahoma City Elevation

1. Oklahoma City History and Elevation

• How was Oklahoma City founded?
  • The city was founded back in April of 1889 in quite an interesting way; an area of land called the 'Unassigned Lands' had been ceded to the United States by native tribes. This area had been free of any settlements until suddenly being opened up in the 'Oklahoma Land Rush', with thousands of people setting out to claim a part of this huge space. It was at this time that around 10,000 people formed a settlement in the area that would become Oklahoma City.
• How did Oklahoma City grow?
  • The town expanded very rapidly, with a huge surge in population at the turn of the 20th century. It quickly became the biggest town in the state and fittingly earned the honor of being the state capital. The construction of Route 66 through Oklahoma City also helped to raise the profile of the town, and various industries like meat packing and oil production allowed OKC to grow and prosper.
• How has Oklahoma City changed in recent years?
  • The city underwent a big redevelopment program in the early 1990s to add more vibrancy and activities for residents and visitors in the downtown area. This included the construction of a baseball park, a new library, and more. Today, Oklahoma City is one of the most visited places in the state.

2. Elevation of Oklahoma City

• What is elevation?
  • The elevation of a town or city is the term used to denote how high or low that location is in relation to sea level. Elevation can be important for town planning and also has an influence on an area's weather conditions.
• What is the elevation of Oklahoma City?
  • The elevation of Oklahoma City is 1,201 feet (366 m), which is relatively high when compared to many other major cities in the United States and even around the world. Many major towns are built in coastal areas with generally low elevations.
• How does Oklahoma City's elevation compare to the state's average?
  • The elevation of the state of Oklahoma varies greatly, with the state having a mean elevation of 1,300 feet (400 m). Compared to this average, the elevation of Oklahoma City is just slightly lower.
• What is the highest point in Oklahoma?
  • The highest point in Oklahoma is Black Mesa, which also stretches into Colorado and New Mexico. The highest point of Black Mesa in Oklahoma has an elevation of 4,975 feet (1,516 m).
• What is the lowest point in Oklahoma?
  • The lowest elevation point in Oklahoma is the suitably-named Little River, located on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border, with an elevation of just 289 feet (88 m).
• What is the highest town in Oklahoma?
  • The highest town in Oklahoma is Kenton, located in Cimarron County in the northwestern tip of the state. Kenton is a census-designated place with an elevation of 4,330 feet (1,320 m).
• How does Oklahoma City's elevation compare to other major cities in Oklahoma?
  • Other key locations in Oklahoma include major cities such as:
  • Tulsa – elevation of 722 feet (194 m)
  • Norman – elevation of 1,171 feet (357 m)
  • Broken Arrow – elevation of 755 feet (230 m)
  • Oklahoma City's elevation is higher than all of these other cities.

3. Climate and Elevation in Oklahoma City

• What is the climate like in Oklahoma City?
  • Oklahoma City has a humid subtropical climate with very hot, wet summers and quite cool winters. Weather can be quite extreme in Oklahoma City, with the area at risk of both droughts and flash floods.
• What are the hottest and coldest months in Oklahoma City?
  • The hottest month of the year is July, which has a daily average temperature of 83°F (28°C), while the coldest month is January, with a daily average of 39°F (4°C).
• Does Oklahoma City experience snowfall?
  • Some light snowfall can occur in Oklahoma City in winter, and the summer months can see reasonably large amounts of rain. The area is also at risk of tornadoes.
• What are some major attractions in Oklahoma City?
  • There are plenty of attractions to be enjoyed in and around Oklahoma City. The state capital is home to various museums, green spaces, and botanical gardens, as well as the Oklahoma City Zoo.
• What is the Bricktown district?
  • The Bricktown district is a popular renovated area, filled with former warehouses that have been updated and modified into eateries and bars.
• What are some notable museums in Oklahoma City?
  • Oklahoma City has several must-visit museums, including:
  • Science Museum
  • Museum of Art
  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

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